A groundbreaking direct flight from Ghana to Barbados has reignited discussions on establishing permanent transport links between Africa and the Caribbean. The historic journey, which took place earlier this week, was highlighted by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the ceremonial ruler of Ghana’s Ashanti Empire, during a forum titled ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect. Build. Renew’ at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. The Asantehene emphasized the need for ‘air and sea bridges’ to foster deeper connections between the two regions, which share a profound historical and cultural legacy. He praised Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for her advocacy in this regard, describing her as a ‘daughter of Africa.’ The Asantehene and his delegation arrived in Barbados on Tuesday aboard the historic flight, ahead of the GUBA 2025 Investment Conference and Awards. He stressed that overcoming long-standing barriers to travel and engagement is essential for meaningful reconnection. ‘A direct flight can take a shorter time and be more convenient,’ he noted, urging greater determination and coordination to transform geographic proximity into genuine connectivity. The Asantehene outlined a broader mission to reconnect Africa and its diaspora through education, culture, and direct engagement. He called for confronting the shared trauma of enslavement, colonization, and racism, while promoting academic exchanges, cultural partnerships, and diaspora-led initiatives in sectors like health, agriculture, and finance. Economic cooperation, he argued, is vital for both regions, with new trade corridors needed to bypass traditional colonial routes. He highlighted the African Union’s 2006 designation of the diaspora as the continent’s ‘sixth region’ and the role of institutions like Afreximbank in supporting development across CARICOM. The Asantehene also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a catalyst for expanding opportunities. ‘Finance is the oxygen of development,’ he said, urging creative resource mobilization. Concluding his address, he called for unity and long-term cooperation, emphasizing, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ The Ashanti Empire, founded in the late 1600s, remains a symbol of African resilience, with its rich cultural heritage enduring despite colonial challenges.
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Trump briefed this week on options for military operations in Venezuela
President Donald Trump was recently briefed on potential military operations in Venezuela, as he continues to evaluate the best course of action in the politically turbulent nation, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The briefing, which took place earlier this week, outlined a range of strategic options but did not signal an imminent decision, one source revealed. Trump has historically expressed reservations about military intervention aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing concerns over its effectiveness and potential risks. The options presented, part of an initiative dubbed ‘SOUTHERN SPEAR,’ were developed by the United States Southern Command and included potential air strikes on military or government facilities, as well as drug trafficking routes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine were among the top officials who briefed Trump on these plans. Hegseth later announced the operation on social media, though specifics remain undisclosed. The USS Gerald R Ford, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, recently arrived in the Caribbean, signaling a significant military buildup in the region. Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of avoiding military action altogether. Administration officials have acknowledged the lack of a legal justification for land-based attacks, though they could potentially develop one if needed. Trump’s cautious approach reflects his wariness of actions that could result in failure or endanger U.S. troops. This report has been updated with additional details.
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NUPW seeks best deal as public sector shake-up looms
The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has firmly stated that hundreds of government employees will not receive approval for new terms and conditions until their job security and benefits are fully guaranteed. General Secretary Richard Greene emphasized on Thursday that unionized workers are being actively represented to secure the best possible outcomes during ongoing reforms.
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Halls Road grieving after fatal family altercation
The close-knit community of Halls Road, St Michael, Barbados, is mourning the tragic loss of 63-year-old David Leacock, who died from injuries sustained during a violent family dispute. The incident occurred late Tuesday evening at Leacock’s home in Marl Hole Gap, where he reportedly clashed with a male relative. The altercation turned physical, leaving Leacock critically injured. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
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Bequia student wins bronze in Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025
Hadassah Ollivierre, a 12-year-old student from St. Vincent Girls’ High School and a resident of Bequia, has been honored with the bronze award in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2025. This competition, recognized as the world’s oldest and most esteemed international writing contest, celebrated its 75th anniversary this year under the theme “Our Commonwealth Journey.” Organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the event aims to inspire young writers from across the Commonwealth to express their ideas, dreams, and experiences through creative writing. Ollivierre competed in the junior category, open to participants under 14, with her imaginative story titled “Through the Garden Door: A Secret Garden Adventure with Mysteries of the Heart.” Her essay, inspired by the prompt “A very special journey when you discover a secret door that takes you into your favourite book,” stood out among 53,434 entries from 897 schools across 54 Commonwealth nations. The judging panel, featuring renowned authors and cultural figures such as Sir Ben Okri OBE and Imtiaz Dharker, ensured a thorough and inspiring evaluation process. Ollivierre’s achievement highlights her creativity, discipline, and passion for storytelling, as well as the support of her teachers and family. Her success not only brings pride to Bequia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines but also showcases the literary potential of young Caribbean writers on a global platform. The QCEC continues to empower young voices to explore themes of identity, belonging, and shared humanity across the Commonwealth’s diverse cultures.
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One Nation Caribbean Music Festival Returns to the iconic Antigua Recreation Ground
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has officially announced the revival of the much-celebrated One Nation Caribbean Music Festival, set to take place at the iconic Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG). This decision follows an outpouring of public enthusiasm and extensive consultations with festival-goers and stakeholders, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to curating an unparalleled cultural experience. Scheduled for January 10th and 11th, the event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, unity, and heritage. Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing Antigua and Barbuda as a premier entertainment hub. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of community involvement in creating a world-class event. Attendees can look forward to an electrifying lineup, with Night 1 described as ‘epic’ and Night 2 featuring unforgettable performances. The festival’s theme, ‘One People, One Love… One Nation,’ encapsulates its mission to foster cultural pride and regional solidarity.
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Tanner Street Redevelopment to Ease Flooding and Create Tourist Boulevard
Tanner Street, a downtown thoroughfare long troubled by flooding and traffic congestion during heavy rains, is poised for a significant overhaul. The government has unveiled plans to transform the area into a modern tourist and vendor boulevard, addressing both infrastructure and aesthetic concerns.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the project will focus on improving drainage from Country Pond to the sea, while creating a more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing environment. Key elements of the redesign include covering the open drain that currently runs through the area, widening the street, and enhancing traffic flow.
“The goal is to make Tanner Street more aesthetically pleasing while ensuring that overflow from the pond is properly managed,” Merchant explained. “This will eliminate the persistent flooding issues that have disrupted businesses and commuters for years, transforming the area into a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.”
Further details, including consultations with downtown vendors and specific design elements, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The Tanner Street project is part of a broader urban renewal initiative that also includes road technology upgrades on the nearby Burning Flames Highway, utilizing materials developed in Colombia.
While the government has not yet disclosed the project’s timeline or cost, it has emphasized that the initiative will complement wider beautification efforts across St. John’s. These include repainting government buildings and expanding tree-planting drives throughout the capital.
Officials say the overarching aim is to balance tourism development with improved infrastructure and better working conditions for small business owners operating in the city.
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Antigua to Pilot Colombian Road Technology on Burning Flames Highway
Antigua and Barbuda is set to embark on a groundbreaking initiative to test two advanced Colombian road construction technologies aimed at enhancing durability and reducing maintenance costs on its highways. The pilot project, announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during a post-Cabinet press briefing, will be implemented on the Burning Flames Highway in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Works has partnered with Colombia’s Hermes Corporation to introduce two innovative methods: silicon pox soil stabilization and Asphaltria, a natural asphalt cold mix. Merchant emphasized that these technologies promise to revolutionize road construction and maintenance in the country, offering greater durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability compared to traditional asphalt techniques. A delegation from the Ministry of Works visited Colombia in October to evaluate the performance of these products in conditions similar to Antigua’s, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall and clay-rich soils. The silicon pox technology chemically strengthens the road base by stabilizing soil structure, while Asphaltria provides a cold-applied, long-lasting surface finish. Together, they are expected to significantly extend road lifespan and minimize the need for frequent repairs. If successful, the pilot project could lead to widespread adoption of these technologies across Antigua and Barbuda’s road network, starting with other key routes under the Ministry of Works’ ongoing rehabilitation program. Officials view this initiative as a pivotal step toward sustainable infrastructure development, aiming to deliver more resilient roads while reducing long-term public expenditure.
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Ministry of ICTs and ITU Launch Two-Day Workshop to Advance Digital Financial Services in Antigua and Barbuda
The Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has inaugurated a two-day workshop at the Trade Winds Hotel in Antigua and Barbuda. This event, focused on advancing digital financial services (DFS), aims to foster financial inclusion and digital transformation across the nation. The workshop has convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, technology experts, and financial institution representatives, to explore innovative strategies for leveraging digital platforms to enhance financial accessibility. Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of ICTs, inaugurated the event by underscoring the urgent need for digital innovation in both the public and private sectors. Cleveland Thomas, the ITU representative, highlighted the pivotal role of digital assets in promoting financial inclusion, particularly through initiatives like the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s D-Cash program. He emphasized that while over 2 billion adults globally remain unbanked, 1.6 billion possess mobile phones, presenting a unique opportunity to integrate them into the formal economy and drive economic growth. The workshop will delve into critical areas such as the formation of a National DFS Security Task Force, the dissemination of security standards, and a thorough evaluation of past initiatives aimed at strengthening the DFS ecosystem. Participants will collaborate to implement best practices and secure mobile payment systems. Minister Nicholas stressed the importance of adapting swiftly to the evolving digital landscape, especially in response to growing public demand. This workshop marks a significant milestone in creating an inclusive financial environment that supports vulnerable populations and bolsters regional economic development.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Import Cheaper Food from Guyana Following Talks Between PM Browne and President Ali
Antigua and Barbuda has announced plans to import fruits, vegetables, and other food products from Guyana in a strategic move to lower supermarket prices and enhance regional food security. The decision was revealed by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. This initiative stems from discussions between Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali during the COP30 meeting in Belize. The Cabinet has tasked Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. with collaborating with his Guyanese counterpart to source high-quality agricultural goods for the Antiguan market. Merchant emphasized that nearly 90% of the nation’s food imports currently originate from North America, and this new partnership aims to provide equally high-quality produce at more affordable rates. The initiative is expected to help stabilize food prices once the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on essential items concludes. It also aligns with the government’s broader strategy to address the cost of living and ensure consumers continue to access affordable imports. Officials anticipate that the first shipments from Guyana could reach Antiguan supermarkets by early 2026, pending the finalization of logistics and trade agreements. This collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving CARICOM’s ’25 by 2025′ goal, which aims to reduce regional food import costs by 25% and foster stronger agricultural ties within the Caribbean Community.